4/14 Help West Fresno fight back against corp Darling Int'l

[annm4peace]

SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTION ALERT (and environmental alert )

The Fresno City Council next week will finally decide whether corporate giant Darling International will be allowed to continue unrestricted operation of its rendering plant within yards of West Fresno residences.

Since the early 1950s, Darling has trucked in hundreds of tons of offal* daily, in unsecured trucks that belch clouds of particulate matter into residential neighborhoods, and leave trails of blood and bits of animal carcasses all over the streets of West Fresno. Residents have repeatedly, persistently begged the City to put conditions on Darling's operations--which the law requires the City to do, but which it has not done. (*entrails and internal organs of a butchered animal)

Newly-elected Council member Oliver Baines is bringing the matter to the City Council on April 14, seeking a determination that Darling Int'l must apply for the Conditional Use Permit the law requires. (Please note: the plant will ultimately be re-sited in Fresno, preserving jobs.)

OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS NEED TO SEE THAT THIS COMMUNITY SUPPORTS ITS WEST FRESNO NEIGHBORS IN THEIR EFFORTS TO SECURE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE. PLEASE JOIN US!!

Next Thursday, April 14, 2011
10 a.m.
Fresno City Council Chambers
2300 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA

For further information, please contact: Sarah Sharpe at Metro Ministry--485-1416; Kevin Hall at Communities for a New California--301-5537; Patience Milrod--442-3111.